Ford of Britain chairman Joe Greenwell CBE has elected to retire effective end of April 2013. Mark Ovenden, currently managing director, will add the chairman’s role to his responsibilities.
Chairman of Ford of Britain since 2009, Joe Greenwell was also president of the automotive industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in 2009 and 2010. Joe’s illustrious career in the motor industry spans over 40 years. He began his career as a graduate trainee with Austin Morris and held a variety of senior roles in Jaguar, Ford of Europe and Ford North America before becoming chairman and CEO of Jaguar Cars and subsequently chairman of Ford of Britain. In recognition of his services to the automotive industry he was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list in 2011.
Mark Ovenden, said: “I am looking forward to the challenges ahead to ensure Ford maintains its leading position in the UK automotive industry. It has been a great pleasure to work closely with Joe over the last 18 months and it is an honour to take on the role of chairman. I wish Joe every success in his future endeavours.”
Ford of Europe chairman and CEO Stephen Odell, said: “Joe has worked tirelessly to maintain Ford’s leading position in UK industry. He has been a respected and highly influential figure for many years enjoying close working relationships with the SMMT, the CBI and the government while representing Ford on key issues such as the future of automotive manufacturing in the UK, skills, research and development, and the low-carbon agenda.
“Mark Ovenden has considerable international automotive experience, which will equip him well in taking on these extra responsibilities. He is a great asset to Ford of Britain.”
Mark is a highly experienced Ford executive and has been in the managing director role for over 18 months. He was formerly president of Ford of Russia.
Notes to editors:
The Ford of Britain Chairman role has been held by previous Managing Directors including Roelant de Waard and Sir Ian McAllister.
Mark Ovenden Biography:
Mark Ovenden joined Ford Motor Company in 1985 as a sales analyst in Daventry District Office. His previous roles have included postings in Ford of Europe, as pricing director and small car brand manager, as well as Ford of Britain marketing director from March 2006 and Ford of Europe brand manager based at the Dunton technical centre in Essex.
Mark returned to Ford of Britain as managing director in 2011 from his 3 year assignment as managing director and president of Ford Russia.
A graduate of Nottingham University, Ovenden has had a wide range of global marketing and sales experience within Ford Motor Company, including positions based at Dearborn and Cologne.
